Pressure relief devices

ABSTRACT

In one representative embodiment, a pressure relief device comprises a flexible, radially inelastic band having first and second end portions and a groove, wherein the groove is configured to interlock the first and second end portions of the band in a closed-loop configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/108,389, entitled PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES, filed on Jan. 27, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to pressure relief devices and related methods for using such.

BACKGROUND

Compression garments and hosiery are typically worn on the extremities to prevent the occurrence, or guard against further progression, of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis, thrombosis, and varicose veins. Compression garments can be highly effective at treating these disorders, as well as others, if worn consistently and properly.

However, compression garments can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. For example, the uppermost open end of the compression garment fabric can roll or bunch. The rolled fabric can be extremely painful and cause skin irritation and sores. In severe cases, the rolled fabric acts like a tourniquet and can cause blood clots. These problems can also intensify as swelling occurs throughout the day, causing the rolled fabric to squeeze even tighter against the wearer's body. As a result, many people forego the benefits of wearing compression garments.

Various devices and custom-made compression garments have been developed in an effort to alleviate these problems. These devices and garments can, however, be ineffective, expensive, and/or introduce additional problems.

Thus, there is a continuing need for improved devices and methods for relieving pressure associated with compression garments.

SUMMARY

Described herein are embodiments of devices that are primarily intended to be used to relieve pressure caused by garments on a person's body. The devices can relieve pressure by holding garments in place and preventing the garment from rolling, bunching, or binding. As a result, the devices improve the comfort and effectiveness of the garment.

In one representative embodiment, a pressure relief device comprises a flexible, radially inelastic band having first and second end portions and a groove, wherein the groove is configured to interlock the first and second end portions of the band in a closed-loop configuration.

In some embodiments, the band comprises an inner core covered in a self-adherent fabric or material configured to retain the first and second end portions of the band in the closed-loop configuration when the first and second end portions radially overlap each other. In other embodiments, the band comprises an attachment mechanism coupled to the band, and the attachment mechanism is configured to retain the first and second end portions of the band in the closed-loop configuration when the first and second end portions radially overlap each other. In some embodiments, the band is configured to be worn on the outside of a compression garment.

In another representative embodiment, a garment retention device comprises a flexible, radially inelastic band having first and second end portions and a groove, wherein the groove is configured to interlock the first and second end portions of the band in a closed-loop configuration.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure relief device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure relief device taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inner core of the pressure relief device with the ends overlapping taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure relief device being used with a compression sock.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pressure relief device being used with the compression sock.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pressure relief device being used with a compression sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are embodiments of devices that are primarily intended to be used to relieve pressure caused by garments on a person's body. The devices relieve pressure by holding garments in place and preventing the garment from rolling, bunching, or binding. As a result, the devices improve the comfort and effectiveness of the garment. The disclosed embodiments should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another.

In particular embodiments, the pressure relief device includes a flexible, radially inelastic band covered in a self-adherent fabric which can be used to support and retain a compression garment and prevent it from rolling, bunching, or binding on the wearer. The band can also include an annular groove configured to interlock the ends of the band.

In particular embodiments, the pressure relief device can be used with compression garments or hosiery.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a pressure relief device 10. As shown, the pressure relief device 10 can comprise a flexible elongate band that can be bent to form a closed loop. As best shown in FIG. 2, the pressure relief device 10 can comprise an inner core 12 surrounded by an optional outer covering 14.

The inner core 12 of the pressure relief device 10 can have a relatively thin and flat profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner core 12 comprises a relatively thin and generally rectangular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, as best shown in FIG. 2. The inner core 12 can comprise an inner surface 16, which faces radially inward toward user's skin during use, and an outer surface 18 which faces radially outward away from the user's skin during use. The inner surface 16 can be configured to be comfortable when pressing radially against the skin of a user. For example, the inner surface 16 can be substantially smooth and flat. The outer surface 18 can, for example, be configured to assist in interlocking the pressure relief device 10 in a closed loop (FIG. 1). For example, the outer surface 18 can comprise a recess or groove 20 which extends radially inward and annularly around the outer surface 18, forming a plurality of annularly extending ridges 22 in the outer surface 18.

The inner core 12 be formed from a flexible material that is circumferentially inelastic (i.e., incompressible and un-expandable) when configured in a loop. For example, the inner core 12 can be formed from a flexible polymer such as polycarbonate or PVC.

Forming the inner core 12 from a flexible material allows the pressure relief device 10 to be wrapped around or bent into a closed loop. For example, the pressure relief device 10 can be bent such that a first end portion 24 of the pressure relief device 10 radially overlaps a second, opposite end portion 26 of the pressure relief device 10 to form a closed loop, as best shown in FIG. 1. For example, the first end portion 24 can overlap one or two inches of the second end portion 26.

Forming the inner core 12 from a flexible material also allows the inner surface 16 to interlock with the outer surface 18 when the ends 24, 26 overlap, forming a closed loop. For example, when the end portions 24, 26 of the pressure relief device 10 overlap, the inner surface 16 of first end portion 24 of the inner core 12 can be pressed radially into the groove 20 in the outer surface 18 of the second end portion 26 of the inner core 12, and the ridges 22 in the outer surface 18 of the second end portion 26 press into the inner surface 16 of first end portion 24, thus interlocking the end portions 24, 26 together, as best shown in FIG. 3. Interlocking the end portions 24, 26 in this manner can prevent the ends from slipping upon one another in the directions shown by arrow 28.

Due to the circumferential inelastic nature of the inner core 12, when formed in a closed loop around a portion of the user's body, the pressure relief device 10 can maintain the same circumference under the pressure exerted by a compression garment. By maintaining the same circumference, the pressure relief device 10, advantageously, does not tighten around the user's body.

The inner core 12 can comprise various dimensions (e.g., widths, thicknesses, lengths) to accommodate various applications. In some embodiments, for example, the inner core 12 can have a width of about ½″ to about 3″. In particular embodiment, the inner core 12 can have a width of about ¾″ to about 1½″.

The outer covering 14 of the pressure relief device 10 can be formed from a soft, flexible material or fabric. At least a portion of the outer covering 14 can formed from a self-adherent material or fabric. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer cover 14 can be formed from Coban® or Vetrap® manufactured by 3M Company or Wrap-It-Up™ manufactured by Animal Supplies International, Inc. In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the outer covering 14 can comprise a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. The self-adherent material or fabric can be used to retain the ends 24, 26 of the pressure relief device 10 in the overlapping, closed-loop configuration (FIG. 1). The self-adherent fabric also helps maintain the pressure relief device 10 in place against a garment (e.g., a compression sock) around which the device is wrapped.

In alternative embodiments, the device 10 can be formed without the outer covering 14. In such embodiments, an attachment mechanism can be coupled or secured to the inner core 12, and can be used to retain the ends 24, 26 of the pressure relief device 10 in the overlapping, closed-loop configuration (FIG. 1). An attachment mechanism can, for example, comprise a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®, a hook and eye fastener, a self-adhering strip, snaps, buttons, a buckle, etc. In particular embodiments, the attachment mechanism can be secured directly to the inner core 12, for example, with an adhesive.

The pressure relief device 10 can be worn over a garment rather than directly against the user's skin. For example, FIG. 4 shows the pressure relief device 10 positioned over and around a compression sock 30 rather than against the user's skin 40. By positioning the pressure relief device 10 over the sock 30 rather than directly against the user's skin 40, the pressure relief device 10 remains cleaner because it is not in direct contact with the sweat, dirt, oils, etc. associated with skin. Keeping the device cleaner, in turn, reduces the maintenance and increases the longevity of the pressure relief device. Also, positioning the pressure relief device over a garment can further improve the comfort of user of the pressure relief device by taking advantage of the additional cushioning that the garment provides between the pressure relief device and the user's skin.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure relief device 10 can, for example, be used to prevent the compression sock 30 from rolling or bunching on a user's leg 32. The user can, first, pull the compression sock 30 over user's leg 32. The user can then apply tension to the upper portion 34 of the compression sock 30 by pulling upwardly in the direction of arrow 36 such that the compression sock is taut axially (i.e., no wrinkles or bunched-up fabric) along the user's leg 32.

The pressure relief device 10 can then be wrapped around the compression sock 30 at the desired height (e.g., just below the knee 38 in the illustrated embodiment) and desired tightness. The tightness on the user's leg can be adjusted by altering the length of overlap of the ends 24, 26. Increasing the overlap reduces the circumference and tightens the pressure relief device, and decreasing the overlap increases the circumference and loosens the pressure relief device.

Once the desired tightness is selected, the excess fabric 42 (i.e., the portion of the sock extending above the pressure relief device 10) of the compression sock 30 can be folded over the pressure relief device 10, as best shown in FIG. 4. This causes the excess fabric 42 to radially overlap the pressure relief device 10. Folding this excess fabric 42 in this manner prevents the excess fabric 42 from rolling and bunching above the pressure relief device 10 and also holds the excess fabric radially away from the skin of the user, preventing it from applying undesirable pressure against the skin of the user.

Thus, the pressure relief device holds the compression sock 30 in place and prevents the compression sock from sliding downward and also prevents any excess fabric from rolling or bunching. As a result, the pressure relief device 10 allows the user to comfortably wear and receive the benefits provided by the compression sock 30 without the pain, sores, etc. typically associated with compression garments.

FIG. 6 shows the pressure relief device 10 being used to support a compression sleeve 44 on the arm 46 of a user. When using the pressure relief device 10 with a compression sleeve on an arm, the user follows a substantially similar procedure as described above in relation to the compression sock 30.

It should be noted that the pressure relief device 10 can be used both above and below a bodily joint (e.g., knee, elbow, etc.). It should also be noted that the pressure relief device 10 can be used to secure a hood or mask (e.g., in a hazardous materials suit, welding hood, etc.) against the neck of a user. This can, for example, create a better seal between the hood or mask and the user's skin.

The pressure relief device 10 can configured a variety of length and/or widths. For example, the pressure relief device 10 can be configured in lengths that allow the pressure relief device to be used around the waist. When using the pressure relief device around the waist, the pressure relief device can, for example, be used to support a pair of pants (e.g., maternity pants).

In addition, the pressure relief device 10 can also be used with other clothing suitable for a variety of activities (e.g., athletic, work, etc.).

The pressure relief device 10 can be sold in pre-cut lengths which are ready for use. The pressure relief device 10 can also be sold in “cut-to-fit” lengths or rolls.

Additionally, in any of the applications described above, the device 10 can function primarily as a garment retention device where pressure relief from a garment is not necessarily needed.

General Considerations

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed devices and methods should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The devices and methods are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods.

As used herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “at least one” encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” element is present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more of the specified element.

As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C” or “A, B and C.”

As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items absent specific contrary language.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. A pressure relief device, comprising a flexible, radially inelastic band having first and second end portions and a groove, wherein the groove is configured to interlock the first and second end portions of the band in a closed-loop configuration.
 2. The pressure relief device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises an inner core covered in a self-adherent fabric or material configured to retain the first and second end portions of the band in the closed-loop configuration when the first and second end portions radially overlap each other.
 3. The pressure relief device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises an attachment mechanism coupled to the band, and the attachment mechanism is configured to retain the first and second end portions of the band in the closed-loop configuration when the first and second end portions radially overlap each other.
 4. The pressure relief device of claim 1, wherein the band is configured to be worn on the outside of a compression garment.
 5. A garment retention device, comprising a flexible, radially inelastic band having first and second end portions and a groove, wherein the groove is configured to interlock the first and second end portions of the band in a closed-loop configuration. 